1958 Austin A 40 vs. 1974 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 1974 Volkswagen Passat is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1958 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1958 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,588 cc (4 cylinders), 1974 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (74 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 1958 Austin A 40. (35 HP @ 4750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 1958 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1974 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 159 kg more than 1958 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1958 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1958 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1974 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1974 Volkswagen Passat (121 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 1958 Austin A 40. (68 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1974 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1958 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1958 Austin A 40 | 1974 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Passat |
| Year Released | 1958 | 1974 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 948 cc | 1588 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 35 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 68 Nm | 121 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 62.9 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 80 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 761 kg | 920 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3670 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1520 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2130 mm | 2480 mm |
